News & Top StoriesWith its fast EV6 crossover, Kia has already made an entry into the Indian EV market, but it’s undoubtedly not a car that’s affordable for the majority of people. Without naming the model, the Korean automaker has stated that it will launch a customized EV in India in 2025. We have reason to think that the production-spec Kia EV3, which was just unveiled, may be introduced to India as an electric substitute for the Kia Seltos small SUV. Let’s start by comparing these two SUVs side by side.
Measurements
| Kia EV3 | Kia Seltos | |
| Length | 4300 mm | 4365 mm |
| Width | 1850mm | 1800 mm |
| Height | 1560 mm | 1645 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2680 mm | 2610 mm |
| Boot space | 460 litres (gets a 25-litre frunk additionally) | 433 litres |
- Compared to the internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered Seltos, the Kia EV3 has a unique design as an electric vehicle.
- It is 50 mm wider, 65 mm shorter in height, and 65 mm smaller than the Seltos.
- The wheelbase of the EV3, which is built on the E-GMP electric-only platform, is 70 mm longer than that of the Seltos.
- With an additional 27 liters of space in the boot and a 25-liter trunk under the front hood, the EV3 offers even more room.
Highlights of the Features
| Features | Kia EV3 | Kia Seltos |
| Exterior | LED Headlamps LED DRLs LED tail lights Aerodynamically-designed alloy wheels (size unknown) | LED Headlamps LED DRLs LED tail lights Front projector fog lamps 17/18-inch alloy wheels Shark-fin antenna |
| Interiors | White and grey dual-tone interiors Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material on seats Steering wheel wrapped with recycled materials | Black and beige dual-tone dashboard (all-black on the higher trim levels) Leatherette seats Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel |
| Comfort and Convenience | 12.3-inch fully digital driver’s display automatic AC, touch controls Rear AC vents 12-inch Head-Up Display Touch button engine start/stop | 10.25-inch fully-digital driver’s display automatic AC Rear AC vents 8-inch Head-Up Display |
| Infotainment | 12.3-inch infotainment system Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Harman Kardon music system | 10.25-inch infotainment system Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay 8-speaker Bose sound system |
| Safety | Airbags 360-view camera Level-2 ADAS | Six airbags Level-2 ADAS 360-degree view camera |
- Although it is the production-spec Kia EV3, the whole feature list has not yet been disclosed and will differ depending on the country.
- But compared to the Seltos, it boasts a more expansive integrated display configuration that includes a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a driver’s display, and AC controls built into a 5-inch touchscreen panel in between.
- In terms of high-end audio systems, linked automotive technology, LED lighting configurations, ambient lighting, and interior comforts, both vehicles are loaded with features. But with its touch-based control panels and use of recycled materials, the EV3 is a generation ahead of the Seltos.
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) at Level 2 are installed in both cars.
Drivetrains
| Specifications | Kia EV3 | Kia Seltos | |||
| Battery Pack/Engine | Standard 58.3 kWh | Long Range 81.4 kWh | 1.5-litre petrol | 1.5-litre turbo-petrol | 1.5-litre diesel |
| Power | 204 PS | 204 PS | 115 PS | 160 PS | 116 PS |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 283 Nm | 144 Nm | 254 Nm | 250 Nm |
- Our main focus is on the performance that these two radically different SUVs have to offer. The EV3’s smaller battery’s claimed range, which Kia has not yet disclosed, is expected to be between 400 and 450 kilometers, while the larger battery’s stated WLTP range is 600 kilometers.
- The EV3 has a single motor setup for two battery packs, while the Kia Seltos has three different engine configurations.
- Compared to the Kia EV3, the most potent 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine in the Seltos produces 44 PS and 29 Nm less power.
- Although Kia has not provided many specifics regarding the EV3’s charging timings, the larger battery pack can be quickly charged from 10 to 80 percent in just thirty-one minutes.
Cost Range
| Model | Kia EV3 | Kia Seltos | |
| Prices | Starting Rs 30 lakh (expected) | Rs 10.90 – 20.35 lakh | |
The Kia Seltos retails for between Rs 10.90 and Rs 20.35 lakh, ex-showroom. It competes with vehicles such as the Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, and others. Due to its very localized offering, its price is competitive for the category.
However, because of its electric drivetrain and additional premium features, the Kia EV3, an electric SUV, will undoubtedly cost a premium. We anticipate it to be more expensive than vehicles like the MG ZS EV, the future Maruti eVX, and the Tata Curvv EV, even with a high level of localization.